A LEADER of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed during a military operation in Lingig town in Surigao del Sur on Saturday, the military reported yesterday.
The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) named the slain rebel leader as Elbert Echavez, alias “Adrin,” commanding officer of the NPA’s Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG) Jaguar, under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Echavez was slain during a firefight with troops from the Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mendezona, Barangay Rajah Cabungsuan in Lingig town, the 10th ID said.
Soldiers also recovered an M16 rifle at the encounter site.
Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, 10th ID commander, said the security situation in the area remains under control despite the encounter.
“We understand the concerns of our communities, but I want to assure everyone that these operations are targeted and deliberate. Our focus remains on protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and preventing CTG (communist terrorist group) resurgence,” said Hambala.
